AP poll shows broad concerns about potential health care loss

A new poll by the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research finds that 56% of U.S. adults are “extremely” or “very” concerned that many will lose health insurance if the health overhaul is repealed. That includes more than 8 in 10 Democrats, nearly half of independents, and more than 1 in 5 Republicans. Another 45% of Republicans say they're “somewhat” concerned. The poll found that even as few Americans want to keep the health law in its current form, many provisions enjoy broad popularity. The exception: the law's requirement that most Americans carry health insurance or face fines.

The Trump administration says it is pulling back advertising to promote HealthCare.gov as open enrollment draws to a close for this year. HHS said in a statement that the government has withdrawn about $5 million in ads as part of an effort to cut costs. The statement said HHS has already spent more than $60 million to promote sign-ups this year. Calling the decision “outrageous,” former HealthCare.gov CEO Kevin Counihan said in a statement that the move could keep young, healthy people from getting into the insurance pool, thereby driving up costs.

A U.S. District Court judge in Texas ordered the CMS to hold off on a final rule requiring dialysis centers that help patients pay private insurance premiums to disclose what plans in their region pay for and how that compares to Medicaid and Medicare. The CMS issued the rule in an attempt to stop providers from steering patients eligible for Medicaid or Medicare into private insurance as a way to receive higher reimbursement rates. The rule was set to go into effect Jan. 14, but U.S. District Judge Amos Mazzant issued a temporary restraining order on the rule until he made a decision. His order, issued last week, placed a stay on the CMS rule.